Jalisco Drug Cartel Members Burn Streets and Block Off Roads in 2 Mexican States After Cartel Leader's Arrest
The Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) is considered one of Mexico's most violent drug cartels. After one of its most notorious plaza bosses, Ricardo Ruiz Velasco, was arrested, the cartel showed how violent they really are. STR/AFP via Getty Images

The Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) is considered one of Mexico's most violent drug cartels. After one of its most notorious plaza bosses, Ricardo Ruiz Velasco, was arrested, the cartel showed how violent they really are.

According to Mexican news publication Publimetro, Ruiz, also known as "El Doble R," is one of the central characters within CJNG. His arrest prompted cartel members in Jalisco and Guanajuato to act out. Over a dozen businesses and vehicles were burned around the cities of Zapopan, Irapuato, and Celaya. Cartel members also blocked streets and had shootouts with Mexican authorities.

Vehicles and Convenience Stores Torched as Cartel Members Set Up Burning Narco Blockades

The violence began when a group of armed men seized three public transit buses and two private vehicles in Zapopan, near Guadalajara. The gang members then set the vehicles on fire to create fiery "narco-blockades."

Jalisco Governor Enrique Alfaro said gang members also clashed with members of the military between the municipalities of Ixtlahuacán del Río and Cuquío. They attempted to block security forces with more of these burning narco-blockades made up of wrecked cars. However, the governor noted that nobody was injured and the situation is now under control.

Similar incidents happened in Celaya, Irapuato, Salamanca, Silao, and Apaseo el Grande. Meanwhile, gang members also torched vehicles and convenience stores around León and Guanajuato. According to Mexico News Daily, Irapuato bore the brunt of the attacks as at least a dozen stores and a gas station were set ablaze.

Guanajuato Governance Minster Libia García said the attacks have already been contained and that the situation is now under control. She added that there were no injuries reported so far.

The Associated Press reported that most of the stores chosen for the attacks belonged to convenience store chain Oxxo. Twenty-five of its stores in Guanajuato state were either totally or partially burned. These were chosen because of their ubiquity and light security, and not because of any dispute with its parent company, Femsa.

Who Is Ricardo 'El Doble R' Ruiz?

The CJNG is headed by one of the most notorious drug lords, Nemesio "El Mencho" Oseguera Cervantes. He is currently one of the FBI's most wanted men and has caused a bloody swathe of destruction around Mexico.

However, El Mencho is rumored to have some kidney problems, and several of his key cartel lieutenants have been vying to challenge him. "El Doble R" is among these cartel lieutenants who may be challenging for CJNG's top spot.

Ruiz was also implicated in various crimes around Mexico. These include the murder of Venezuelan model Daisy Ferrer and his participation in the murder of the former Secretary of Tourism of Jalisco, José de Jesús Gallegos Alvarez. He is also very social media-savvy, making military-type propaganda videos for the cartel.

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Rick Martin

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